The Road To An IPO: Should Going Public Be A Goal For Your Company?

Investopedia defines an IPO, or Initial Public Offering, as the “process of offering shares of a private corporation to the public in a new stock issuance,” allowing a company to raise capital from public investors. “The transition from a private to a public company can be an important time for private investors to fully realize gains from their investment as it typically includes a share premium for current private investors. Meanwhile, it also allows public investors to participate in the offering.”

Most people are under the misconception that IPOs and public listings on the stock exchange are only for large limited liability, multi-national conglomerates. Truth is, they’re not. Companies with an asset value of just IDR 5-billion can also apply to make public offerings.

Back in 2018, Gapura Bali were reporting the “Indonesian Stock Exchange (PT Bursa Efek Indonesia, BEI) began inviting local companies in Bali to conduct public offerings because of what it saw as huge potential to obtain long-term sources of funding.”

What are the benefits of an IPO?

Based on my experience as a practitioner and as someone often referred to in a number of corporate sources, an IPO provides access to markets for additional capital with a relatively low cost. There are other benefits too; an IPO can also accelerate a company’s growth, have tax incentives and increase the company’s value as well as improving a company’s reputation.

At Seven Stones Indonesia, we consider our clients as partners and we believe it’s our mission to help our partners grow and be successful. This is the motivation behind our most recent initiative to encourage PMA companies established in Indonesia to have a long-term target to go public.

A successful IPO journey, of course, is a process, which begins with us walking you through the Pre-IPO Phase. This encourages you to ask some serious questions of your business and in so doing, adds a great deal of value to your company. For example:

  • Transparency of information to the public – can your clients trust you?
  • Dilution of control and reduced autonomy – are you doing what’s best for long-term growth?
  • Pressure for (short term) performance – are you reaching your targets?
  • Ongoing expenses to comply with listed company obligations – are your systems in place?
  • Financial readiness – have you built a sustainable business position?
  • Growth story – have you established a robust and strong business plan?
  • Governance and accounting – have you established a sustainable governance and financial reporting infrastructure?
  • Structure – have you achieved an optimum shareholding and corporate structure?
  • Tax – have you obtained the most efficient tax planning and identified historical tax health?

If you can answer these questions and address any outstanding issues, we will support you in conducting the all-important IPO Execution, which dives deeper into your company’s structure, financials and positioning. For example:

  • Legal – have you run the business in compliance and adhered to applicable laws and regulations?
  • Supporting professionals
  • Due diligence
  • Internal approval and documentation
  • Financial position
  • Listing structure
Source: FT Capital.

But we don’t stop there. Remember, our mission is to be your partner in growth and that means we’re also there for your Post-IPO Phase, to help you keep your company on track with matters such as:

  • Taxes and legal obligations
  • Roadshows and book-building
  • Strategy – how do you continuously develop your core functions and maximize your existing strengths?
  • Expansion – have you established an optimum financing road-map to support your expansion and investment plans?
  • Defence – have you established strong governance to optimize your resources and technology, protect your reputation and manage stakeholders’ interest?
Source: FT Capital.

Our IPO Portfolio team is supported by two prominent practitioners in the Capital Markets in the region; Ridwan Jasin Zachrie and Umar Abdullah.

Ridwan is one of Indonesia’s top executives who has a long career in the financial world, holding important positions in various corporations including Managing Director at the Recapital Group; Independent Commissioner in several Financial Services companies;  and Audit & Risk Committee at Bank BTPN Tbk, Berau Coal Energy Tbk and Aetra Air Jakarta.

Ridwan Jasin Zachrie.

In his formative years, Ridwan was the “best and fastest graduate” at the Faculty of Law, Trisakti University in 1991 and received a British Chevening Award scholarship, completing his Masters in Economics at the London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE), University of London in 1996. He holds several professional accreditations including a Certified Business Valuer (CBV) issued by the Australian Academy of Finance and Management; Broker-Dealer Representative (WPPE); The Directorship Certification for Directors and Commissioners issued by the Indonesian Institute of Commissioners and Directors.

He has also won a number of awards including the Best CFO Awards 2019 (Institute of Certified Management Accountant Australia-Indonesia); Asia Pacific Young Business Leader awarded by Asia 21 Network – New York, USA (Tokyo 2008); UK Alumni Business Awards 2008 awarded by the British Council; and Human Capital Magazine’s “most inspiring human resource practitioner” in 2010.

Ridwan started his career at Citibank NA, PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk and Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC.) Ridwan’s last position was as CFO at PT Citra Putra Mandiri, OSO Group Holding and he is currently the CFO of Seven Stones Indonesia.

Umar Abdullah is one of the leading practitioners in Indonesian Capital Markets with a long and distinguished career in the financial world. He has held important positions in various corporations as Independent Commissioner, Senior Advisor as well as being on the Board of Directors in public companies. He also sat as a “leading capital market practitioner” in Indonesia’s leading Financial Security companies including Danareksa Sekuritas, Mandiri Sekuritas, and CIMB Niaga Sekuritas.

Umar Abdullah.

Umar graduated as a Master of Finance, Faculty of Economics from the University of Indonesia and has Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics, from the University of Indonesia’s Faculty of Math and Science. Umar was the recipient of the Sampoerna Foundation’s Postgraduate Programme in the Faculty of Economics at the University of Indonesia’s PPA Bachelor Programme, FMIPA UI.  He also holds several professional accreditations including among others as a CSA – Certified Securities Analyst; WPPE – Indonesian Brokerage License; and a WMI – Indonesian Investment License.

Together, Ridwan and Umar are a formidable and extremely well-qualified team dedicated to successfully guiding you on your IPO journey. If you’d like more information or want to discuss how you can go public, please contact Ridwan via ridwan@sevenstonesindonesia.com

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Andrzej Barski

Director of Seven Stones Indonesia

Andrzej is Co-owner/ Founder and Director of Seven Stones Indonesia. He was born in the UK to Polish parents and has been living in Indonesia for more than 33-years. He is a skilled writer, trainer and marketer with a deep understanding of Indonesia and its many cultures after spending many years travelling across the archipelago from North Sumatra to Irian Jaya.

His experience covers Marketing, Branding, Advertising, Publishing, Real Estate and Training for 5-Star Hotels and Resorts in Bali and Jakarta, which has given him a passion for the customer experience. He’s a published author and a regular contributor to local and regional publications. His interests include conservation, eco-conscious initiatives, spirituality and motorcycles. Andrzej speaks English and Indonesian.

Terje H. Nilsen

Director of Seven Stones Indonesia

Terje is from Norway and has been living in Indonesia for over 20-years. He first came to Indonesia as a child and after earning his degree in Business Administration from the University of Agder in Norway, he moved to Indonesia in 1993, where he has worked in leading positions in education and the fitness/ wellness industries all over Indonesia including Jakarta, Banjarmasin, Medan and Bali.

He was Co-owner and CEO of the Paradise Property Group for 10-years and led the company to great success. He is now Co-owner/ Founder and Director of Seven Stones Indonesia offering market entry services for foreign investors, legal advice, sourcing of investments and in particular real estate investments. He has a soft spot for eco-friendly and socially sustainable projects and investments, while his personal business strengths are in property law, tourism trends, macroeconomics, Indonesian government and regulations. His personal interests are in sport, adventure, history and spiritual experiences.

Terje’s leadership, drive and knowledge are recognised across many industries and his unrivalled network of high level contacts in government and business spans the globe. He believes you do good and do well but always in that order. Terje speaks English, Indonesian and Norwegian.

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Ridwan Jasin Zachrie

CFO of Seven Stones Indonesia, Jakarta

Ridwan is one of Indonesia’s top executives with a long and illustrious career in the financial world. He holds several professional certifications including being a Certified Business Valuer (CBV) issued by the Australian Academy of Finance and Management; Broker-Dealer Representative (WPPE); and The Directorship Certification for Directors and Commissioners, issued by the Indonesian Institute of Commissioners and Directors.

His experience includes being the Managing Director at one of the top investment banking groups in the region, the Recapital Group, the CFO at State-owned enterprises in fishery industry and the CEO at Tanri Abeng & Son Holding. He’s also been an Independent Commissioner in several Financial Service companies and on the Audit and Risk Committee at Bank BTPN Tbk, Berau Coal Energy Tbk, Aetra Air Jakarta as well as working for Citibank, Bank Mandiri and HSBC. His last position was as CFO at PT Citra Putra Mandiri – OSO Group.

Ridwan has won a number of prestigious awards including the Best CFO Awards 2019 (Institute of Certified Management Accountant Australia-Indonesia); Asia Pacific Young Business Leader awarded by Asia 21 Network New York USA (Tokyo 2008); UK Alumni Business Awards 2008 awarded by the British Council; and The Most Inspiring Human Resources Practitioners’ version of Human Capital Magazine 2010.

He’s a member of the Board of Trustees of the Alumni Association of the Faculty of Law, Trisakti University, Co-Founder of the Paramadina Public Policy Institute and actively writes books, publications and articles in the mass media. He co-authored “Korupsi Mengorupsi Indonesia” in 2009, which helps those with an interest in understanding governance in Indonesia and the critical issue of corruption. Ridwan speaks Indonesian and English.

Per Fredrik Ecker

Managing Director of Seven Stones Indonesia, Jakarta

Per is the Managing Director of the Seven Stones Indonesia (SSI) Jakarta office and has more than 25-years’ experience in Indonesia, China, and Western Europe. He previously worked in senior management positions with Q-Free ASA, Siemens AG, and other companies in the telecom sector. Over the last six years, he has been the Chairman of the Indonesia-Norway Business Council (INBC) and recently become elected to be on the board of EuroCham Indonesia.

His most recent experience is within Intelligent Transport Solutions (ITS), Telecom, and other sectors within the Indonesian market. He is today through his position in SSI and by representing Norway Connect, promoting Nordic and European companies that would like to explore business opportunities in the Indonesian market. He’s also playing an active role to help create the Nordic House concept in Jakarta that will provide an excellent platform for Nordic companies entering Indonesia, where they’ll find a community that can offer support with trusted information and affordable services to enter this market.